The seventh-ranked Princeton open rowing team fought off a comeback attempt by No. 11 Yale Saturday morning to retain the Eisenberg Cup during the 40th renewal of the rivalry and continue their progression towards the 2014 Ivy League Championships.

In a regatta that faced challenging headwinds as the racing progressed, the two historic Ivy League programs had several competitive showdowns, including a thriller in the varsity four competition.

Princeton won its fifth straight Eisenberg Cup in 7:03.8, while Yale's big push in the middle of race fell short in 7:06.4.

"The varsity race was a really good one," head coach Lori Dauphiny said. "Princeton got out on the start, but Yale made a big push back in during the middle. They almost drew even. Princeton was able to respond and push out a little again. It was a good, tough fight for both."

"It was a really gutsy race for both teams," sophomore Meghan Wheeler said. "We knew Yale was going to be tough and they always race with such power and intensity. I think for us being able to stay calm throughout and come together as a boat helped us push through the race and come though."

The second varsity kept its perfect season alive with a win by more than eight seconds, while the varsity four nearly pulled off a wild comeback win.

"The four was one of the most amazing races," Dauphiny said. "They were down by open water, and then they came back. It was a really rough first half, but they really seemed to come together in the conditions and started moving."

"The 2V is made up of really amazing racers who are pushing everyone on the team internally," Wheeler said. "They have brought intensity and power to each of their races and have come away with outstanding wins. Their success helps everyone on the team to strive for more and really go for it, in both practice and during races."

As both Princeton and Yale move closer to the Ivy League Championships (May 18, Cooper River), it continues to look like the league is as deep and strong as ever. While top-ranked Brown has earned the distinction as favorite right now, there is plenty that could change over the next few weeks.

"It is tightly packed, and Yale probably has had less time on the water than us," Dauphiny said. "I think you will see a lot of changes during the season. It’s hard to say, and it's really hard to measure people’s speed. Brown keeps doing well, and I do think there is favorite. But it is still a ways away."

"I think that our improvement is coming just with time on the water and racing experience," Wheeler said. "We learn a lot about ourselves with each race and during each practice, both in terms of technique and mentality. Everyone on the team is learning how to push harder and work together, and we will have to continue to find and strive for this improvement to be where we want to be come Ivies."

Princeton will continue its drive towards Ivies next weekend with the Class of 1984 Plaque regatta against both Dartmouth and Penn, but both the date and location of that race has been moved. Because of the uncertain conditions of Dartmouth's home course, the race has been moved to Lake Carnegie, and it will take place Sunday morning, instead of Saturday.